News Briefs: Major steps for major projects at New Trier and Loyola; Local named head of AWM board

Demolition has begun on New Trier High School’s Gates Gymnasium.

New Trier officials shared photos and video of the initial phases of the major renovation to the east side of the school’s Winnetka campus. The $72-million project will raze Gates Gym and some connecting facilities to construct a three-story complex scheduled to debut for the 2022-23 school year.

The school posts updates on social media as well as its website. Plus, you can watch a livestream of progress on the site at any time.

Across town, a project at Loyola Academy is closer to completion.

A $27-million performing arts center is on the tail end of its construction, which began in the spring of 2021.

The performing arts center will be complete for next school year.

Winnetka’s Irwin named leader of American Writers Museum board

American Writers Museum announced on Jan. 12 the promotion of Jane Irwin, of Winnetka, to chairperson of its board of trustees, according to a press release from the organization.

“In its first five years, the American Writers Museum has sparked the interest, imagination and excitement about reading and writing of all kinds among the thousands of visitors, real and virtual, who have encountered this gem of a place,”Irwin said in the release. “I am honored to take this next turn as chairman of our board of trustees, supporting our talented and dedicated staff, as we strive to inspire all to explore the breadth and diversity of American writing.”

Irwin is a retired human-relations professional and attorney who was an executive with PotashCorp. She also sits on boards for the Chicago Botanic Garden and S&C Electric and on a committee with the University of Michigan’s Law School.

The American Writers Museum’s exhibits, public programs, and youth education program present the diversity of American writers, including many writers from historically underrepresented groups, such as women, people of color and LGBTQ+ writers, the release says.

Historical society’s virtual lecture on town’s 150th

Former village president and local historian John Jacoby will be the guest speaker on Jan. 30 for a Wilmette Historical Museum lecture on the community’s 150th anniversary.

The Village of Wilmette was incorporated in September of 1872. As part of a year-long series of events, Jacoby will speak from 2-3 p.m. in a virtual lecture about his recently released book, “Wilmette at 150.”

According to the museum, Jacoby will explore the lost landmarks of Wilmette, including some of the oldest in Wilmette, such as the Big Tree and the Unity Church. 

Click here to register.

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